Smart Cars Are Coming!

The Mercedes-Benz division of DaimlerChrysler is planning on introducing the Smart brand of cars in the United States beginning in 2008. The micro car has become a common sight in Europe (although the company has yet to turn a profit on the machines). These are very small.

The Smart "fortwo" has been drawing curious crowds at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which opened to the press Sunday, with the words "Coming to the USA in 2008" emblazoned on its stand.

Part of the Mercedes-Benz division of German-US company DaimlerChrysler AG, the tiny car has become a familiar sight on Europe's congested roads since it was launched in 1998, although the project has yet to make a profit.

But in the United States, proud home to gas-guzzling trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), the notion that such a car might prove a hit seemed laughable until only recently.

The company is banking on high gasoline prices driving demand for the economical little cars. They get over 40 MPG on the highway. Did I mention that they were very small?

At 2.5 meters long (8 feet, 2 inches) and weighing in at a mere 990 kilograms (2,180 pounds), the two-seat Smart car is about half the length and a third the weight of a Hummer, Ford Expedition or other large SUV.

The good news is that you could carry it in the back of a pickup truck as a spare. Highway superintendents all across the US are welcoming the new vehicles. They are just the right size:

Leader, Saskatchewan has ordered dozens.